A Prayer to Prepare Our Hearts for Our Nation’s National Day of PrayerBy Lynette Kittle "You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless" – 2 Samuel 22:29-31 Each year, our nation has been setting aside a National Day of Prayer to gather and pray for our country. It's a time for our citizens to collectively join together in unity and pray as one voice before God. Dr. Jerry Newcombe, Executive Director of Providence Forum, states, "The National Day of Prayer reminds us our nation needs all the prayers it can get-all year round." Likewise, nationally known speaker, best-selling author, and president of Amerisearch, William J. Federer, explains, "As America faces challenges in the economy from terrorism and natural disasters, one can gain inspiring faith from leaders of the past."  America's History of PrayerPrayer is not new or unusual for our nation. Even before the United States of America was founded, its future leaders knew where to turn and called upon its people to pray. As Newcombe points out, "Prayer was important to George Washington. He had a pocket-sized edition of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, which he used all the time. On numerous occasions, he thanked God for His help in our becoming an independent nation." During the Revolutionary War, Newcombe describes how "Washington felt that the odds were so overwhelming that only God could help them win this contest. Speaking of himself in the third person, General George Washington delivered this order on July 4th, 1775-a year before independence-to his troops: ‘He requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.'”  More Presidents Who Called for National Days of PrayerThroughout America's history, our leaders have turned our nation to prayer. America's 33rd President, Harry S. Truman, made the National Day of Prayer an annual observance in 1952, stating: "In times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace…we stand in special need of Divine support." Richard M. Nixon, our 37th President, called our nation to prayer in April 1970 for Apollo 13 astronauts who were in crisis. After their safe return, he called for Sunday, April 19, 1970, as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. On May 5, 1988, our 40th President, Ronald Reagan, established the National Day of Prayer to be held each year on the first Thursday in May, saying: "Americans in every generation have turned to their Maker in prayer...We have acknowledged…our dependence on Almighty God." As well, our 43rd President, George W. Bush, declared Days of Prayer after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. Why Pray?1 Timothy 2:1-3 encourages us to pray for our national leaders. "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to acknowledge the truth." Newcombe notes how humility is key to our praying for our nation, reminding us how God does not favor pride and arrogance. Proverbs 16:18 explains how "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Let's Pray: Dear Father,We come to you as a nation, asking for Your mercy. As Proverbs 28:13 explains, "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Help us, O Lord, as a country to humble ourselves before You, as James 4:10 instructs us to do. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." With repentant hearts, we come before You for forgiveness. Examine our ways, Father, and help us to return to You, as Lamentations 3:40 urges, "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." Strengthen our leaders to resist and reject the temptation of corruption. Give them new hearts, like Ezekiel 36:26 describes, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Like 2 Chronicles 7:14 urges, lead our national leaders and citizens to Salvation in Jesus Christ. "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."In Jesus' name, Amen Photo credit: ©Getty Images Signature,aroslavKryuchka and artpipi via Canva Pro Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today's Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV. Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer to Prepare Our Hearts for Our National Day of Prayer – Your Daily Prayer – May 2 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to See God’s Word as a Personal Invitation Each DayBy Emma Danzey  "And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 When we have faith in Jesus, we will draw near to Him because we believe that He exists. It is very easy to underappreciate our Bibles. When we consider that there are still many people across the world who do not have the Scriptures translated into their language, we are reminded that we have been entrusted with a gift. However, it can often not feel like a gift. Sometimes we can believe that reading the Bible is a checklist to "be good" or just part of a daily habit.  Reading the Bible is much more than a to-do list or a self-help book. It is coming to the living and active Word of God to be transformed. (Hebrews 4:12) It is a weapon of spiritual warfare. (Ephesians 6:17) It is breathed by the Lord. (2 Timothy 3:16) When we make an intentional decision to read the Bible, we are saying yes to the King of King’s invitation to speak life into our everyday day, to refine the areas of our lives that are sinful, and to grow as disciples of Jesus by hearing His direct teachings.  Just like a friend would invite us to coffee or a family member would call us on the phone to catch up. Every day, our Bibles are Christ's invitation to speak to us. We get to make the choice if we want to engage with Him or ignore Him. I can honestly say that I have never regretted spending time with God. Each moment in the Bible is a treasured opportunity to know our Savior and to understand His redemptive plan from the beginning of Genesis all the way through the end of Revelation. Today, we are going to spend a moment praying to see God's Word as a personal invitation each day.  Let's pray: Dear Jesus,Thank You for the daily invitation to meet with You. I know that You extend the opportunity for me to come to You every day. Whether I am in a good mood or a bad one, whether I am excited to read Your Word or dreading it, You are consistent. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You have removed the barrier of sin between us, and Your Holy Spirit lives in my heart because I trust in You. Thank You for forgiving me for the many sins I have committed in thought, word, and action. You looked down at me and did not leave me for destruction but came to my rescue instead. I praise You because I am made new in You. I thank You for loving me so much and inviting me into a relationship with You. Father, You call me Your child. Jesus, You call me friend. Holy Spirit, You are in my heart always. You are closer than a brother. Forgive me for neglecting You and for being selfish with my time. Help me to notice the ways that the enemy is trying to get into my thoughts to derail me from spending quality time with You. Help me to fight against Him with the help of prayer by Your Spirit to eliminate the distractions and the emotions of apathy and laziness. If I have any bitterness or anger towards You, remove it. If I have any fear of You that is not of reverence, take it away. I pray that I would see Your Word as a personal invitation each day. Guide me to Your Scriptures to get to know You more. Help me to be filled up by Your Spirit to comprehend Your Word. Thank You for the Bible in my language. Thank You for sharing Your gospel with me. I praise You for Your Word, which is alive and active. Instead of making reading the Scriptures a checklist, cultivate a joy and a love for Your Word to delight in opening my Bible each day. Thank You that You love me so much that You want to spend time with me. Amen.  Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Priscilla-du-preez Emma Danzey's mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey. Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer to See God’s Word as a Personal Invitation Each Day – Your Daily Prayer – May 4 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Uproot the Lies in My LifeBy Alisha Headley "Stand therefore, having girded your waist in the belt of truth ..." – Ephesians 6:14 The Apostle Paul gives us a guideline in the book of Ephesians on how to guard ourselves daily against the enemy. Paul beautifully outlines the spiritual armor of God we have access to so that we can put it on every day as believers. We are fighting a spiritual war, and we cannot ignore it. The enemy is real, and he is a liar. In fact, Jesus called him "the father of all lies" in John 8:44 and said there is no truth in him. One of the ways he trips us up in life is by feeding us lies. All our armor is crucial to wear, but in order to uproot all the lies that have been planted in our lives, it's important to always guard ourselves in truth, just as today's Scripture says. The belt itself is a valuable piece of armor. The picture presented is that of a Roman soldier and his tunic. In order to be effective in battle and so that a soldier didn't trip over his tunic, he had to pull it up and tuck it into his belt, enabling the soldier to fight unhindered. In the same way, in order for us to be effective in fighting against the enemy, we must tuck all we have into the belt of truth. For we live in a world full of lies, with the father of lies whispering them to us daily. We can't decipher what is a lie if we don't know the truth, and the truth is found in the Word of God. We must begin to study the Word of God like never before, memorizing Scripture so it is written in our hearts. Knowing the truth in God’s Word and being able to recall it enables us to uproot lies in our lives that trip us up day in and day out. Just as a Roman soldier in biblical times prepared for battle by armoring himself, we, too, can start our day with our armor and weapons intact. Let’s begin each day with our armor in place. Let's pray: Dear God,Thank you for providing us with your Word, the Bible, so that we can access truth in a world full of lies. Thank you for the wisdom your Word provides us. Holy Spirit, please remind us to read and give us the passion to seek out Your Word daily. Forgive us when we lean on truth from other things or people rather than relying on your truth, which is the only truth. Please allow your truth to sink deep into our hearts so that we can discern a lie the moment it enters our minds. Help us to tighten our belts of truth each day as we study your Word. We know that we have an enemy and that there will be daily battles, but we praise you and thank you because you have already won the war. Thank you for the wisdom in your Word and for the promise of life that we can cling to this side of eternity. We praise you for loving us and equipping us each day.In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen. Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Anastasiia Stiahailo Alisha Headley is a writer + speaker who has a desire to meet the everyday woman in her everyday life with biblical truth. Stepping into her true calling, she left the corporate world behind as a former-financial VP to love on her family as a stay-at-home wifey + dog mama, while also being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Healing from a chapter of life consumed with lies she once believed about herself, she is inspired to point women to Christ to experience the freedom + power to overcome those lies with the truth written in God's word. In her free time, Alisha enjoys road trips around the country, working out so she can eat her favorite foods, and creatively styling her outfits with a craft for fashion. Alisha is a proud wifey and dog mama living in Scottsdale, Arizona. You can follow her blog by visiting her website or connect with her on facebook + instagram. Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer to Uproot the Lies in My Life – Your Daily Prayer – May 5 appeared first on GodUpdates.

<iframe src=”https://omny.fm/shows/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-to-forgive-when-you-cannot-forget/embed” allow=”autoplay; clipboard-write” width=”100%” height=”180″ frameborder=”0″ title=”A Prayer to Forgive When You Cannot Forget”></iframe> A Prayer to Forgive When You Cannot ForgetBy Kristine Brown "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." – Matthew 26:28 NIV Flipping through a dusty old photo album, I came across a picture that caused an unwanted memory to resurface. The memory was something I had always hoped and prayed I could forget, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't block it from popping back into my thoughts. I tried to push it aside, distract myself, and focus on other things. But the memory lingered, and soon I began questioning whether I'd ever really forgiven the person pictured in that photo. The idea of forgiveness is something we are introduced to early in our relationship with Jesus. We discover how God offers forgiveness for our sins through the shed blood of his only son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. We also learn through Jesus' sacrifice that because God forgives us, we can, in turn, forgive others. In teaching his disciples how to pray, Jesus himself said, "And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us." (Matthew 6:12 NLT) Still, it's hard to know what to do when memories of past offenses come flooding back without warning. Thoughts of things we want to forget can catch us off guard, and before we realize it, we're rehearsing what happened and thinking about every detail of the hurt. Those thoughts about our painful experiences can lead to unforgiveness unless we prepare ourselves with wisdom from God's Word on how to respond. So, what do we do when our inability to forget causes us to question if we've really forgiven?  We remind ourselves of who God is and what his holy Word says. Matthew chapter 28 reveals a sinister plot to betray Jesus, involving one of Jesus' close companions- a man named Judas. Judas made a deal with the chief priests to look for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them. Soon after the deal was made, Jesus and his disciples sat down to a meal to celebrate Passover. During that meal, Jesus spoke these words, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me." (Matthew 26:21) Just a few verses later, we see an incredible demonstration of Jesus' love and mercy. He offered his cup in what would become known to us as holy communion, and Jesus said, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:28) Poured out for many. Not one of us deserves forgiveness, but I can't help but see a connection between Judas' actions and Jesus' teaching about forgiveness he shared around that table.  Jesus willingly endured the pouring out of his own blood for many to be forgiven-pouring out for Judas, pouring out for me and you, pouring out for anyone who ever caused us pain and suffering.   We have within us the ability to forgive others because God forgave us. Focusing on God's forgiveness makes the process of forgiving much easier. A wise friend told me recently that when memories of past hurts come to mind, she uses that as a reminder to take it to God in prayer, and also as a reminder for herself that she has forgiven. Even if she can't forget, reminding herself that she has forgiven the person allows her to move forward in freedom. May Jesus' words in Matthew inspire us today as we continue growing in mercy and forgiveness. Even when we can't forget, we can still forgive. Let's pray.Dear God,Thank you for sending your son Jesus to earth and offering forgiveness through his shed blood on the cross. We don't deserve your forgiveness, but through Jesus' sacrifice, we have the incredible gift of unconditional love and unending mercy. Thank you for forgiving our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Father, I ask you to protect my mind from the memories of past hurts. When those memories come back, help me understand the difference between forgetting and forgiving. I may not be able to fully forget what happened, but I can use those memories as a reminder of the power of forgiveness. Because you forgave me, I am able to forgive others. Even when I can't forget about the offense, I can live in freedom today and in the future by choosing forgiveness. I forgive the person for the pain they caused. Thank you, God, for making forgiveness possible. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Cecilie_Arcurs For more spiritual growth resources, check out the 5-day email study Walking with Rahab by today's devotion writer, Kristine Brown. You'll find weekly encouragement to help you "become more than yourself through God's Word" at her website, kristinebrown.net. Kristine is the author of the book Cinched: Living with Unwavering Trust in an Unfailing God and its companion workbook. Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer to Forgive When You Cannot Forget – Your Daily Prayer – May 6 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer for Peace Amid a Day of ChaosBy Alicia Searl "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." – Isaiah 26:3 My eyes batted open to see my eight-year-old standing in front of me with a huge grin, holding a bag of hair curlers, and sporting her pink fuzzy bathrobe and brand-new bunny slippers. She eagerly insisted that I get out of bed so that I could put the curlers in her hair. She was holding a long, thick stick that must have been found in the backyard, claiming it would "help her walk," and spoke in a high-pitched yet raspy voice. Her sweet little face had black lines drawn across her cheeks and forehead, and it eerily resembled the look of a permanent marker. Come to find out, it was a permanent black marker. Ugh! If you haven't guessed, my daughter was dressed up like a precious 100-year-old lady, all thanks to the 100th day of school. In all honesty, at that moment, I was feeling just about that age! Rolling out of bed from a restless night, my body ached for more sleep and my stiff neck was making me quite irritable. I knew it was going to be a day, but I tried to put on a brave face. As I began to curl up this "little old lady's" hair, I mentally went over my checklist for the day. I had so much housework to do which led me to think of the laundry that was piled nearly halfway up the ceiling. That thought spiraled into remembering my oldest needed me to put her softball uniform in the dryer. Her game was at 4 o'clock, but I still had to take the dog to the vet, make a quick stop at the grocery store, turn in a few things at work, and my dad mentioned that he was coming over to get a haircut. Yes, I have become his go-to barber these days. Unfortunately, my first response was to let out a heavy sigh accompanied by a few low grumbles and groans of complaint. I had no idea how I was going to get everything done. Then gazing upon my little old lady, as cute as she was, I also knew it was going to be quite the chore scrubbing all that permanent marker off her face! The feeling of dread overtook me as this day was already proving to be quite chaotic! Maybe you are feeling a little overwhelmed with the tasks that lie before you today, too. Maybe it feels impossible. Maybe you have gotten so wrapped up in the craziness of the day that you forgot to seek the One who can grant you peace. If so, will you join me in taking all your cares to God and seeking His peace amid the chaos? Let's pray:Gracious Father, thank you for being the author of our lives and granting us peace when we come to You. What a precious promise You give us in Your Word. We love that You want to have an intimate relationship with us and reach out to us time and time again, extending a helping hand. Yet, we can get so wrapped up in life, that we fail to meet the answer of Your precious calls. O God, please forgive us for not seeking Your first.  We are so grateful that You are patient and know the nature of our hearts, which is why we come today, desperately seeking Your peace. Lord, we are tired, overwhelmed, and stressed. The circumstances in our lives have become barriers that are blocking us from seeing joy. The chaotic schedules and hectic seasons of this life are trying so hard to take us under and give way to complaining. Sadly, we try so hard to battle this life on our own, but God help us remember, that we are nothing apart from You.  So, we surrender our day to You. We give You all the events and activities that fill our day and ask that You provide ways for us to lean into You. Help us manage our time and overcome obstacles, and grant us Your peace, Oh Lord. We ask this in Your Precious name. Amen. Photo Credit: Image created using AI technology and subsequently edited and reviewed by our editorial team. Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master's in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook. Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer for Peace Amid a Day of Chaos – Your Daily Prayer – May 7 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Seek Solitude with God in a Rushing WorldBy Emma Danzey "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." – Luke 5:16 Each day we have the invitation to join a fast-paced world in running after the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:14 says, "I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." The concept of following the wind is comical because the wind is unpredictable and unseen. It is solely based on feelings. We feel the wind and see its effects on the world around us. However, we would be foolish to follow the wind because it would lead us in circles.  If we pursue the things of this world, then it is pointless. We will be chasing after temporary pleasures that lead us nowhere with purpose. Jesus knew the answer did not lie in the culture or his feelings, it lied within the truth of God's Word. Jesus withdrew to lonely places because, in solitude, He communed with the Father. We see the word often used in verse 16. Jesus made it a priority and a habit to get away and spend time with the Father. Jesus was the perfect model of humanity untainted but in the world. Why would He have pulled away and gotten alone?  Spiritual Renewal: When we seek the Lord in solitude, our spirits are renewed to face whatever the day holds. Remembering our Purpose: When we seek solitude, we are reminded of our purpose on earth as Christ-followers. Relational Growth: When we spend time with God, we grow in our relationship with Him just like we would when spending time with any other person. Prayer was a major practice of Jesus when He went to solitude. As we prepare to pray to Him today, let us remember the gift of approaching His throne with confidence. He delights to hear from us, and we delight to listen and learn from Him. He guides us, He hears us, and He loves us. Any time that we choose to seek Him, we are not chasing the wind but pursuing the truth that sets us free.  Let’s pray:Dear Jesus,Thank You for the gift of solitude. Whether we are able to physically get away at this moment or not, solitude can be a state of our hearts. Help us to get away with you no matter what we have going on in life. You are our priority. You are our purpose. We are grateful for Your consistency and Your love for us.  Open our minds to comprehend Your Scriptures. Teach us how to pray like Jesus. Show us Your ways and guide us. Hear our prayers. Forgive us for our sins that become barriers in our time together. Lord, our temptation is to believe that faster is better and less time is more desirable. However, You show us that we do not need to rush our time with you. Forgive us for making our relationship with You into a checklist or a time crunch. Enable us to connect with you in a deep way that is fully focused and dedicated. Help us to fight for this even if it means sacrificing other things that we enjoy. Help our hearts be after greater things. God help us not to fall into the trap of the rushing world, but to seek solitude with You. We know that our true treasure is in heaven. You say in Matthew 6:19 that we should not lay up for ourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where our treasures are, there our hearts will be also. Give us the strength of Your Spirit to treasure You above all things. Where we are tempted to be swept up in the wind of this world, keep us anchored on You, our Rock and Fortress. You tell us in Jeremiah 29:13 that when we seek You with all of our hearts, we will find you. Help us to slow down and seek You today. Thank You for always meeting us when we draw near to You. Amen. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/TongTa Emma Danzey's mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey. Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer to Seek Solitude with God in a Rushing World – Your Daily Prayer – May 8 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer for God to Bring You through an Exhausting Life PhaseBy Keri Eichberger “The Sovereign LORD is my strength.” – Habakkuk 3:19 "I'm tired of singing the same old ‘tired' song," I confessed to my friend Chelsey last week. And she wasn't the first to hear this tune fall from my frustrated lips. I've felt exhausted since I can't remember when. Did it begin when the twins were born, boosting our family of five to a full house of seven? Or was it when I turned forty, and my body began to ache in all sorts of new places while my hormones whacked out with crazy fresh flips and dips, crashing my energy around right with them? Or, maybe it's simply the compounding years of overstuffed schedules and overcrowded calendars, causing a slow and steady, wear down of my fragile body, soul, and spirit. All are amounting to bottom-out exhaustion. And with no sign of relief. In my world anyway. Because who am I kidding, I'm not getting any younger, the twins have thirteen plus years left at home. And honestly, the reality is, there will always be something. I know you feel that. I came across Habakkuk 3:19 in my attempt to refuel my sunken strength and journal out these thoughts in my morning quiet time. And what spoke to me is this... The Lord's control is my strength. When I'm worn down from trying to control situations, people, their hearts, and responses (my kids mainly)–and I'm depleted of strength–I regain strength by releasing control back to God. I reclaim his strength by acknowledging that I am not in control. Yes, I have been wasting energy while I have assumed control. Sabotaging myself of the strength I'm desperate for. The sovereign Lord (the God that is actually in control), he is my strength. Because he strengthens me as I let this truth, the truth of his sovereignty, leak into my life, penetrate my heart, cover my thoughts, and flow through all my circumstances that I'm trying to control and play God of. My self-controlled surroundings all the while wear me down. It occurred to me that the majority of my exhaustion stemmed from my relentless attempt to control my swirling circumstances instead of resting in a steady, sturdy–yet sometimes brisk–walk of God's will for my life. Trust me, I know from personal day-in-and-out experience that a lot of your busyness you can't budge. But you can shift the focus of your heart in the midst of what's wearing down. And so can I. When we're beyond tired, our bodies feel frail and fragile. Our souls are weighed down with a long season of suffering and discouragement. When we are flat out exhausted and feel the burden press deeper with no relief to be seen on the visible horizon, and a sliver of strength seems impossible to come by, we need to remember that it is the sovereign Lord who is our strength. I need to remember it right now. Friend, together with me today, will you release your cares in your current season to his control? Consider and reflect on every detail that's weighing you down at this very moment, and speak your trust in him over each concern. Your trust that every little bit is in his hands. And allow the truth of his love and control to restore strength to your soul as you rest your heart in his unconditional care. The more you release your load to him, the more you will feel the load lighten. As he carries you one day at a time, one sovereign step at a time. Until at last you are free. Free from the heavy chains of your difficult phase.  It's true we can't guarantee how long each weary phase will linger. But rest assured, we most certainly can guarantee God will always carry, support, and sustain us as we release control and the heaviness to him and rest in the strength of his almighty sovereignty. Let's pray: Lord, I come to you exhausted. Weary and worn down. And I need your strength. God, I don't know when what's wearing me down will end. But I do know that you love me. I do know that you are in control. And if I can just acknowledge that you are in control, and not me, then I can release the weight, bit by bit, ounce by ounce, and rest in your care. And then regain some strength. Help me rest in this truth. That my strength is in you and who you are. Sovereign. Yes, my strength is in the truth of your loving, sovereign control. I am so thankful that you are carrying me with your love, control, and strength. I am thankful that your rest is always awaiting me because of it. Help me rest in your power. Help me rest in your love. Help me rest in you. In your Almighty name, Amen. Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/FOTOKITA Keri Eichberger is a Jesus-loving Kentucky girl. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has a full house of five kids. After years of writing for an online audience, Keri became ordained through Southeast Christian Church, giving her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, and has a passion for sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or Instagram. Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer for God to Bring You Through an Exhausting Life Phase – Your Daily Prayer – May 9 appeared first on GodUpdates.

May 6, 2024 What if Your Greatest Limitations Are ... a Gift?SARA HAGERTY  Lee en español "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance." Psalm 16:5-6 (ESV) We all have them. Many of us keep a running list of those things barely out of our reach. We daydream about … When the baby will finally sleep through the night.When the potential new job will mean money might not be so tight.When the newest treatment will cure what's been ailing us.When that complicated family relationship will improve. By filling our minds with fantasies of when these things will change, we subtly resent our limitations. We despise the injury, the growing list of bills, and the unique needs in our home that slow us from the pace we'd like to keep. We work fiercely (often subconsciously) to overcome limitations. No wonder we're so tired. Verses like Psalm 16:6, which says "the [boundary] lines have fallen for me in pleasant places," feel distant and out of reach when we feel underpaid, overtired, and full of responsibility yet parched in heart. Several years ago, this verse came within reach for me on a family vacation. Each summer, my family of nine drives two days across the country to dig our toes in the sand and fill our lungs with sea-salt air alongside cousins, aunts, uncles and Nana. One particular year, after we arrived, I crawled into bed sick and barely emerged for the entirety of our vacation. From my bedside, I heard stories and saw pictures of the days at the beach but didn't experience them with my family. It was in this bound space - watching the others around me live what I couldn't have and resenting that for days - that I eventually heard a subtle invitation from God. He asked me to consider that my daydreams for my life, both for that vacation and also in my everyday world, perhaps weren't what He had for me. In Psalm 16:5, David said, "You hold my lot." This verse moved from words on a page to something written into my life: God has something for me every day, even my most limited ones. Confined to my bed at the beach, God had whispers for me that still echo through my head and across my limitations today. He met me there. I was isolated, sick, alone in my room ... but I was held. Out of years of beach trips, that was one of the most significant because of my brush with the God who holds my lot. I didn't walk the beach for hours that year, but I met with God, the One who made the ocean. Daily, hourly, I often live as if I know what is best for me, and I daydream toward that end. All the while, God is allowing limitations into my life such that the deepest parts of me may grow into believing that "I have a beautiful inheritance" (Psalm 16:6). Might your limitations be inching you toward a brush with Him? God, thank You for meeting us inside of our limits - inside of our tiredness, sadness, overwhelm and not-yets. Help us see You rightly here in our limitations. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Learn to see the beauty and peace God provides in the midst of life circumstances that you once thought held you back. Grab a copy of Sara Hagerty's new book, The Gift of Limitations. ENGAGE Connect with Sara at SaraHagerty.net and on social at @sarahagertywrites. Enter to WIN your very own copy of The Gift of Limitations by Sara Hagerty. To celebrate this book, Sara's publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We'll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, May 13, 2024.} FOR DEEPER STUDY 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (ESV). List two or three limitations that come to mind as you read this devotion. How have you viewed those limitations in your life? What would it look like for you to see them instead as restrictions God is allowing so that He might reach into deeper parts of your heart and life? © 2024 by Sara Hagerty. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post What if Your Greatest Limitations Are … a Gift? – Encouragement for Today – May 6, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

May 7, 2024 Entrusting Our Children to God’s Faithful CareELIZABETH LAING THOMPSON Lee en español "When [Jesus'] family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind.'" Mark 3:21 (NIV) Every mother has a moment (or 10) when she thinks, My kid is in trouble. I'm stepping in to save the day. Even Mary the mother of Jesus had such a moment - when Jesus was in His 30s! Early in Jesus' ministry, His influence expanded rapidly - and controversially. Scripture tells us, "Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind'" (Mark 3:20-21, NIV). I picture the scene unfolding something like this: One of Jesus' brothers tells Mary, "Jesus is gathering huge crowds, stirring up controversy - and, Mom, He's too busy to eat." Mary's eyes narrow. "He isn't eating? He's taking this too far. Let's bring Him home." The Gospel writer Mark tells us when Jesus' family arrived, He was mid-sermon. Rather than stop preaching, Jesus reminded His listeners - and His family - of His purpose. He said, "Who are my mother and my brothers? ... Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother" (Mark 3:33-35, NIV). I wonder how Mary felt hearing those words. Years earlier, a prophet had warned that though Mary's son would be great, a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:35). Perhaps this was one of those soul-piercing moments. Jesus reminded Mary that He had a higher purpose, and God's will came first. Perhaps Mary had expected her son to pursue an earthly crown, but that wasn't God's will. Jesus knew His path would instead lead to earthly conflict, criticism and a cross. Being close to Jesus - being family with Jesus - meant embracing God's will no matter how difficult it felt. Mary had to face her fears and entrust her son to God's care. This year, I understand Mary's struggle more than ever before. My oldest child, my miracle baby - God's gift to us on Christmas night of 2005 after years of infertility - is graduating high school. Like Mary, I am watching my child step into adulthood and pursue God's purposes independently. Every mother faces transitions like this, moments when our motto must change from "save the day" to "pray all day." Like Mary, we may watch our children walk paths we wouldn't have chosen. Like Mary, we may watch our children endure difficulty or pain. Like Mary, we may long to hold them close rather than let them go. But best of all, like Mary, we can trust that God has known our children since before we did. He has loved our children since before we did. He has a purpose and will for their lives. Even when we aren't holding our kids' hands, their heavenly Father is. Even when we have to let our children go, God never does. Father, Your will is good, and Your heart is trustworthy. Please give me peace as I entrust my loved ones to Your care. In Jesus' Name, Amen.  OUR FAVORITE THINGS We want to reach more women like you. At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we exist to help you remember that God is still making a way. Help us continue to provide free biblical resources to you and other women like you by donating today. Donate! Elizabeth shares about trusting God through infertility and other life detours and delays in her book When God Says, "Wait." ENGAGE Elizabeth sends Bible studies and devotions to her newsletter friends, and she'd love to connect with you on Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY Luke 1:46-49, "And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name'" (NIV). How has God cared for your children or loved ones when you couldn't be there yourself, and how does it build your trust to remember those moments? Share your thoughts in the comments. © 2024 by Elizabeth Laing Thompson. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post Entrusting Our Children to God’s Faithful Care – Encouragement for Today – May 7, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

May 8, 2024 You Are Not AloneEMILY MORROW  Lee en español "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)  There's nothing better than sitting in the shade of a big oak tree, looking up as dappled sunshine dances in the leaves. As a "crunchy" mom, I'm an advocate for "green time over screen time" - which means getting my boys outside as much as possible to explore together this big, beautiful world that God has given us. My kids love to collect acorns. I marvel at how inside every acorn is the seed of an oak, one of the mightiest trees, ready to come forth. However, the acorn first needs to break down, fall apart, crumble - die to itself so that the first weak, green sprout has space to emerge. Otherwise, this tender sprout will remain trapped inside the hard shell and never see the light. God asks us to die to ourselves (Matthew 10:39; Romans 6:6) and often allows us to go through struggles so that we can grow closer to Him. About 10 years ago, I went through the worst bout of anxiety I have ever experienced. I let it take control of my life. And while I was going through that, I couldn't see any reason God would allow me to walk through such a trial. Fast-forward 10 years, and my son has just come out of a long period of anxiety that so closely aligned with my own, right down to the need for assurance at 3 a.m. My son's middle name is Oaks. Saying his name reminds me of that acorn. It reminds me of the time I went through all that anxiety and fear, the darkest period of my life, when I was falling apart and couldn't see why any of this was happening. Really, God was preparing me to burst forth like an oak tree - equipped with knowledge and experience to be able to help my child who also struggles with fear and anxiety. God has granted me an opportunity to share empathy and understanding. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Maybe you don't struggle with anxiety but with loneliness or grief from losing a loved one. Maybe you're exhausted by motherhood or you're struggling with your faith. Maybe you feel like your life isn't going how you thought it would. Whatever it is, I want to encourage you that time and time again, I have seen God use my hurts and challenges to grow me so I can be a comfort to someone else. Friend, God is shaping you and growing you; this isn't for nothing. You are not alone. Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings You've given me. According to Your perfect will and timing, please grant me grace to overcome the hardship I'm facing now. Give me the peace to know that You are in control. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS If you're ready to explore “crunchy” living and remove toxins from your life - both chemical and mental - grab a copy of Emily Morrow's new book, Really Very Crunchy, and discover a healthier, more sustainable life. ENGAGE Connect with Emily on her website or on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok. Enter to WIN your very own copy of Really Very Crunchy by Emily Morrow. To celebrate this book, Emily's publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We'll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, May 13, 2024.} FOR DEEPER STUDY Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (NIV). How can you bless someone who is walking through a hardship today that may be similar to something you have experienced? © 2024 by Emily Morrow. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post You Are Not Alone – Encouragement for Today – May 8, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.